Dispur College, 8 December 2023
The Departments of English and Assamese at Dispur College jointly organized a one-day International Conference on Literature, Translation, and Technology on 8 December 2023. The program was held in the college’s conference hall and brought together a wide spectrum of participants, including department heads from various faculties as well as students ranging from the bachelor’s to the master’s level.
The opening plenary was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Govinda Raj Bhattarai, former Head of the Department of English Education, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. His session addressed the theme of “Postcolonialism and Southeast Asian Literature: Understanding Discourse Formation in Translation.” Prof. Bhattarai offered a nuanced analysis of postcolonial literary traditions, situating Southeast Asian texts within broader historical and cultural frameworks. He emphasized how translation has become both a challenge and an opportunity for reshaping discourse in postcolonial societies, making visible the tensions between indigenous expression and global literary systems.
The second plenary session featured Denzome Sampang, Vice-President of the Global Federation for Nepali Literature (USA), who served as the keynote speaker. His presentation, titled “Literature and Technology: Expanding Horizons,” explored the intersections of literary creativity and digital transformation. Sampang argued that while technology has revolutionized the way literature is produced, shared, and consumed, it should remain a vehicle for deepening human values rather than diminishing them.
Importantly, Sampang connected his analysis to the Svikarokti philosophy, which he promulgates. He suggested that the digital era, if guided by principles of acceptance and harmony, can amplify literature’s role in building empathy, intercultural dialogue, and peace. By embedding philosophy within the technological discourse of literature, he offered participants a fresh lens through which to imagine literature’s global role.
The conference generated significant engagement from the audience. Particularly striking was the response of Mrs. Aupama, Head of the Department of Philosophy, who observed that in her twenty-five years of teaching philosophy, she had never been as moved or impressed by a philosophical framework as she was by Svikarokti. She remarked that in a world increasingly beset by war, violence, and the erosion of peace, this philosophy is both relevant and urgently needed.
The conference successfully highlighted the dynamic interplay between literature, translation, technology, and philosophy. The juxtaposition of Prof. Bhattarai’s critical exploration of postcolonial discourse with Sampang’s integration of literature, technology, and Svikarokti philosophy created a balanced dialogue between tradition and innovation. The active participation of faculty leaders and students further underscored the conference’s role as a vibrant academic platform.
